2021 NFL Draft cornerback rankings: Patrick Surtain II leads strong group
By John Blair
21. Paulson Adebo, Stanford
6-foot-1, 190 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Fifth round
Stanford’s Paulson Adebo had an outstanding first season for Stanford in 2018 when he led the nation with 24 passes defended including four interceptions. However, he has been up and down ever since then which is causing his stock to fall. One thing that is still working in his favor though is his ball skills. In his two years playing at Stanford, he broke up a total of 24 passes and also had eight picks. He has the size NFL teams are looking for and could be a good cover-2 corner in the NFL.
One thing that has really hurt Adebo is his lack of discipline especially when it comes to where his eyes should be. He can be beaten on double moves and really struggled in this area in 2019 against UCF. His lack of discipline hurts him at times with his footwork which leads to him taking false steps. Unfortunately, Adebo doesn’t have the speed or quickness to make up for these mistakes either.
22. Camryn Bynum, California
6-0, 198 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Fifth round
California’s Camryn Bynum has been one of the better defenders in the Pac-12 over the past four years. In 2019, he was named a second-team All-Pac-12 player and he made the first team in 2020. Bynum has been able to lead California in pass breakups the past three years due to how smart he plays. He normally finds himself in a great position on the field and off the field is known to be a student of the game. To go along with his high football IQ he is a solid tackler who is not afraid to step up and stop the run.
While Bynum has the mental skills and overall character to be a solid contributor in the NFL, his lack of physical skills limits his upside at the next level. He has only average speed and was only able to run a 4.49 40-yard dash at California’s pro day. He also doesn’t have the quick burst on the field and only shows an average ability to drive on the football. Bynum will likely make it in the NFL as a backup defensive back and special teams contributor.